Berkman has more criticisms for Astros

ST. LOUIS – Lance Berkman has been on record with his displeasure on the Astros’ move to the American League.

He added another item to his what’s wrong with the Astros list: the changes in the outfield at Minute Maid Park.

“I hate the move to the American League and I hate what they’re doing to the outfield,” the former Astro said Wednesday as he was back in St. Louis before going on a rehab assignment in Memphis.

The Astros’ new ownership has replaced the Citgo sign above the Crawford Boxes with 12 panels for advertising sponsors and is considering moving the signature train from above left-center field and making changes to Tal’s Hill in center.

“I hate it,” Berkman repeated.

It’s a good thing he hasn’t seen the color scheme for the new uniforms, to be unveiled before next year’s move to the American League.

Berkman, who was among the first of the high-priced vets and links to the Astros World Series team of 2005 to be traded when he was shipped in 2010 to the Yankees, has watched the continued dismantling of the team. When Wandy Rodriguez was traded to Pittsburgh in July, it meant no players remained from that era.

“I’m sad to see a lot of guys with strong ties to the organization go,” said Berkman, who won a World Series with the Cardinals last season but has been sidelined with knee problems for most of this season.

Galarraga released

The Armando Galarraga experiment is over. The Astros designated the righthander for assignment. Signed on May 21, Galarraga was 0-4 in five starts with a 6.75 ERA and more walks (18) than strikeouts (17) in 24 innings. The Astros were the second stop for Galarraga after he had his one moment of near-fame two seasons ago with Detroit when he missed a perfect game on a blown call on the last out.

Who will replace Galarraga in the Astros rotation hasn’t been decided yet, interim manager Tony DeFrancesco said. Galarraga had been scheduled to start Saturday in New York.

To fill his spot on the roster, the Astros brought up reliever Hector Ambriz from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
“Hector’s a good addition to the bullpen,” DeFrancesco said of the 28-year-old righthander who was signed by the Astros to a minor-league deal on June 21. He was 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA in 18 appearances.

Ambriz made it to the majors once before, getting in 34 games with the Indians in 2010.

Lineup shuffle

Justin Maxwell was a late scratch from the lineup because of a bruised finger. His status is day-to-day DeFrancesco said. The Astros had an entirely different outfield than in Tuesday’s series opener with Brandon Barnes in center, Ben Francisco in left and Steve Pearce in right.

DeFrancesco also gave Tyler Greene a day off at short. “He’ll be back tomorrow,” DeFrancesco said. “I really like what he brings to this team. He has a lot of energy, confidence and enthusiasm. He’s got a chance to make a difference for this team.”

Marwin Gonzalez got the start at short. Also, Chris Snyder was back at catcher in place of Jason Castro.

<b><center>Oct. 3: Cubs 5, Astros 4</b></center>
The Astros said goodbye to the National League with a walkoff loss at Wrigley.
<b>Record:</b> 55-107.

<b><center>Oct. 3: Cubs 5, Astros 4</b></center>
The Astros said goodbye to the National League with a walkoff loss at Wrigley.
<b>Record:</b> 55-107.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 09: Right fielder Jimmy Paredes #38 of the Houston Astros leaps for a two-run homer off the bat of Abraham Almonte of the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Safeco Field on September 9, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) less

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 09: Right fielder Jimmy Paredes #38 of the Houston Astros leaps for a two-run homer off the bat of Abraham Almonte of the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Safeco Field on ... more

<b><center>Sept. 29: Brewers 9, Astros 5</b></center>
Dallas Keuchel struggled in his last start of the season as the Astros tied their loss total from last year.
<b>Record:</b> 52-106. less

<b><center>Sept. 29: Brewers 9, Astros 5</b></center>
Dallas Keuchel struggled in his last start of the season as the Astros tied their loss total from last year.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: JEFFREY PHELPS / Associated Press

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<b><center>Sept. 28: Astros 7, Brewers 6</b></center>
Edgar Gonzalez recorded his third win of the season and the Astros avoided tying their loss total from last season.
<b>Record:</b> 52-105. less

<b><center>Sept. 28: Astros 7, Brewers 6</b></center>
Edgar Gonzalez recorded his third win of the season and the Astros avoided tying their loss total from last season.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Mike McGinnis / 2012 Getty Images

Image 9 of 204

<b><center>Sept. 26: Astros 2, Cardinals 0</b></center>
Milo Hamilton threw peanuts to the crowd during the seventh inning stretch. The Astors won their final home game as a part of the National League 2-0 against the Cardinals behind a strong performance by Bud Norris and a homer by Jose Altuve.
<b>Record:</b> 51-105. less

<b><center>Sept. 26: Astros 2, Cardinals 0</b></center>
Milo Hamilton threw peanuts to the crowd during the seventh inning stretch. The Astors won their final home game as a part of the National League 2-0 ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Sept. 25: Cardinals 4, Astros 0</b></center>
Jose Altuve and the Astros inched closer to having more losses than last season.
<b>Record:</b> 50-105.

<b><center>Sept. 25: Cardinals 4, Astros 0</b></center>
Jose Altuve and the Astros inched closer to having more losses than last season.
<b>Record:</b> 50-105.

<b><center>Sept. 21: Astros 7, Pirates 1</b></center>
Jed Lowrie's three-run home run in the first inning propelled the Astros to their 49th victory of the season.
<b>Record:</b> 49-102. less

<b><center>Sept. 21: Astros 7, Pirates 1</b></center>
Jed Lowrie's three-run home run in the first inning propelled the Astros to their 49th victory of the season.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Sept. 20: Cardinals 5, Astros 4</b></center>
Right fielder Justin Maxwell, front, dives but misses a ball hit for a single by the Cardinals Matt Holliday as second baseman Jose Altuve watches during the first inning.
<b>Record:</b> 48-102. less

<b><center>Sept. 20: Cardinals 5, Astros 4</b></center>
Right fielder Justin Maxwell, front, dives but misses a ball hit for a single by the Cardinals Matt Holliday as second baseman Jose Altuve watches ... more

Photo: Jeff Roberson / Associated Press

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<b><center>Sept. 19: Cardinals 5, Astros 0</b></center>
A day after reaching 100 losses, the Astros were shut out by the Cardinals.
<b>Record:</b> 48-101.

<b><center>Sept. 19: Cardinals 5, Astros 0</b></center>
A day after reaching 100 losses, the Astros were shut out by the Cardinals.
<b>Record:</b> 48-101.

<b><center>Sept. 15: Astros 5, Phillies 0</b></center>
Justin Maxwell's first inning home run propelled the Astros to their second win in the four-game series.
<b>Record:</b> 47-99. less

<b><center>Sept. 15: Astros 5, Phillies 0</b></center>
Justin Maxwell's first inning home run propelled the Astros to their second win in the four-game series.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Sept. 14: Phillies 12, Astros 6</b></center>
Fernando Martinez and the Astros looked on in disappointment as they took another step closer to hitting the century mark in losses.
<b>Record:</b> 46-99. less

<b><center>Sept. 14: Phillies 12, Astros 6</b></center>
Fernando Martinez and the Astros looked on in disappointment as they took another step closer to hitting the century mark in losses.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

<b><center>Sept. 13: Astros 6, Phillies 4</b></center>
The Astros got their 46th win of the season, and got Lucas Harrell off the hook thanks to a late rally past the Phillies.
<b>Record:</b> 46-98. less

<b><center>Sept. 13: Astros 6, Phillies 4</b></center>
The Astros got their 46th win of the season, and got Lucas Harrell off the hook thanks to a late rally past the Phillies.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<b><center>Sept. 12: Cubs 5, Astros 1</b></center>
Mickey Storey was hit in the face by a line drive from Cubs center fielder Dave Sappelt (17) during the eighth inning of anothe Astros loss.
<b>Record:</b> 45-98. less

<b><center>Sept. 12: Cubs 5, Astros 1</b></center>
Mickey Storey was hit in the face by a line drive from Cubs center fielder Dave Sappelt (17) during the eighth inning of anothe Astros loss.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

Image 27 of 204

<b><center>Sept. 11: Astros 1, Cubs 0</b></center>
A run by Jimmy Paredes was all the Astros needed to top the Cubs in the second contest of their three-game set with the Cubs.
<b>Record:</b> 45-97. less

<b><center>Sept. 11: Astros 1, Cubs 0</b></center>
A run by Jimmy Paredes was all the Astros needed to top the Cubs in the second contest of their three-game set with the Cubs.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

<b><center>Sept. 10: Cubs 4, Astros 1</b></center>
After winning a series against the Reds, the Astros returned home and were greeted with a loss at Minute Maid Park.
<b>Record:</b> 44-97. less

<b><center>Sept. 10: Cubs 4, Astros 1</b></center>
After winning a series against the Reds, the Astros returned home and were greeted with a loss at Minute Maid Park.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Bob Levey / 2012 Getty Images

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<b><center>Sept. 9: Astros 5, Reds 1</b></center>
Matt Dominguez gets congratulated by Brett Wallace after hitting a three-run home run off Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto in the third inning.
<b>Record:</b> 44-96. less

<b><center>Sept. 9: Astros 5, Reds 1</b></center>
Matt Dominguez gets congratulated by Brett Wallace after hitting a three-run home run off Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto in the third inning.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

<b><center>Sept. 7: Astros 5, Reds 3</b></center>
Against a first-place team and MLB's best closer, the Astros come back to win with a homer in one of the season's few highlights.
<b>Record:</b> 43-95. less

<b><center>Sept. 7: Astros 5, Reds 3</b></center>
Against a first-place team and MLB's best closer, the Astros come back to win with a homer in one of the season's few highlights.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

Image 33 of 204

<b><center>Sept. 5: Pirates 6, Astros 3</b></center>
With the loss, pitcher Fernando Abad dropped to 0-3 on the season. He allowed four earned runs and six hits.
<b>Record:</b> 42-95. less

<b><center>Sept. 5: Pirates 6, Astros 3</b></center>
With the loss, pitcher Fernando Abad dropped to 0-3 on the season. He allowed four earned runs and six hits.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Justin K. Aller / 2012 Getty Images

Image 34 of 204

<center><b>Sept. 4: Pirates 6, Astros2</b></center>
Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles walks off the field afer being taken out of the game.
<b>Record:</b> 42-94.

<center><b>Sept. 4: Pirates 6, Astros2</b></center>
Astros pitcher Jordan Lyles walks off the field afer being taken out of the game.
<b>Record:</b> 42-94.

<b><center>Sept. 1: Astros 2, Reds 1 </b></center>
Jose Altuve runs for first while Matt Downs heads home with the winning run as Altuve's bases-loaded grounder went through the legs of Wilson Valdez to cap a two-out rally in the bottom of the ninth inning.
<b>Record:</b> 41-92. less

<b><center>Sept. 1: Astros 2, Reds 1 </b></center>
Jose Altuve runs for first while Matt Downs heads home with the winning run as Altuve's bases-loaded grounder went through the legs of Wilson Valdez to cap a ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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<b><center>Aug. 31: Reds 9, Astros 3</b></center>Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart tags Houston Astros shortstop Jimmy Paredes out at second on an attempted steal during the third inning.
<b>Record:</b> 40-92. less

<b><center>Aug. 31: Reds 9, Astros 3</b></center>Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart tags Houston Astros shortstop Jimmy Paredes out at second on an attempted steal during the third inning.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

<b><center>Aug. 30: Giants 8, Astros 4</b></center> Giants outfielders Gregor Blanco, Angel Pagan and Hunter Pence celebrate their victory. Pence was a big part of the Giants' comeback win connecting on the go-ahead single in the seventh inning.
<b>Record:</b> 40-91. less

<b><center>Aug. 30: Giants 8, Astros 4</b></center> Giants outfielders Gregor Blanco, Angel Pagan and Hunter Pence celebrate their victory. Pence was a big part of the Giants' comeback win connecting on the ... more

<b><center>Aug. 28: Giants 3, Astros 2</center></b> Jimmy Paredes give the Astros the go-ahead run as he scores on a wild pitch as Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain dives for the throw during the eighth inning, but the Astros bullpen couldn't hold the lead.
<b>Record:</b> 40-89. less

<b><center>Aug. 28: Giants 3, Astros 2</center></b> Jimmy Paredes give the Astros the go-ahead run as he scores on a wild pitch as Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain dives for the throw during the eighth ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 44 of 204

<b><center>Aug. 26: Mets 2, Astros 1</center></b> Astros starter Lucas Harrell allowed just one run in his seven innings, but Mets first baseman Ike Davis smashed a walkoff homer for the win.
<b>Record:</b> 40-88. less

<b><center>Aug. 26: Mets 2, Astros 1</center></b> Astros starter Lucas Harrell allowed just one run in his seven innings, but Mets first baseman Ike Davis smashed a walkoff homer for the win.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images

Image 45 of 204

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<b><center>Aug. 25: Mets 3, Astros 1</center></b> Scott Moore slides into third base safely as he advanced on a single by Tyler Greene while Mets third baseman David Wright awaits the late throw in the seventh inning. Moore later scored on a wild pitch to give the Astros their only run of the afternoon.
<b>Record:</b> 40-87. less

<b><center>Aug. 25: Mets 3, Astros 1</center></b> Scott Moore slides into third base safely as he advanced on a single by Tyler Greene while Mets third baseman David Wright awaits the late throw in the seventh ... more

Photo: Paul Bereswill / Associated Press

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<center><b>Aug. 24: Astros 3, Mets 1</b></center> Pitcher Jordan Lyles did himself a favor with an RBI double in the second inning, leading the Astros' to their first win under interim manager Tony DeFrancesco.
<b>Record:</b> 40-86. less

<center><b>Aug. 24: Astros 3, Mets 1</b></center> Pitcher Jordan Lyles did himself a favor with an RBI double in the second inning, leading the Astros' to their first win under interim manager Tony ... more

Photo: Mike Stobe / 2012 Getty Images

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<center><b>Aug. 23: Cardinals 13, Astros 5</b></center> Rhiner Cruz allowed a run on four hits in the eighth inning.
<b>Record:</b> 39-86.

<center><b>Aug. 23: Cardinals 13, Astros 5</b></center> Rhiner Cruz allowed a run on four hits in the eighth inning.
<b>Record:</b> 39-86.

Photo: Jeff Curry / Getty Images

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<center><b>Aug. 22: Cardinals 4, Astros 2</b></center>
Rafael Furcal of the Cardinals can't handle the throw as Jose Altuve of the Astros slides in for a double.
<b>Record:</b> 39-85. less

<center><b>Aug. 22: Cardinals 4, Astros 2</b></center>
Rafael Furcal of the Cardinals can't handle the throw as Jose Altuve of the Astros slides in for a double.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Jeff Curry / Getty Images

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<b><center>Aug. 21: Cardinals 7, Astros 0</center></b>
Adam Wainwright was on top of his game, going the distance, for the 12th time in his career, in the opening game of the series. Wainwright is now 12-1 in his career against the Astros.
<b>Record:</b> 39-84. less

<b><center>Aug. 21: Cardinals 7, Astros 0</center></b>
Adam Wainwright was on top of his game, going the distance, for the 12th time in his career, in the opening game of the series. Wainwright is now 12-1 in ... more

Photo: Jeff Curry / Getty Images

Image 52 of 204

<b><center>Aug. 19: Diamondbacks 8, Astros 1</center></b>
Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco had his first game at the helm, but the result looked pretty similar.
<b>Record:</b> 39-83. less

<b><center>Aug. 19: Diamondbacks 8, Astros 1</center></b>
Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco had his first game at the helm, but the result looked pretty similar.
<b>Record:</b> ... more

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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<b><center>Aug. 18: Diamondbacks 12, Astros 4</center></b> (EDITORS NOTE: Multiple exposures were combined in camera to produce this image.) Jordan Lyles pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third inning.
<b>Record:</b> 39-82. less

<b><center>Aug. 18: Diamondbacks 12, Astros 4</center></b> (EDITORS NOTE: Multiple exposures were combined in camera to produce this image.) Jordan Lyles pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third ... more